Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef seems to suggest that the club recognises the challenges young players face and is attempting to shield them from the harshest pressures.
In the world of professional football, young players often carry the weight of great expectations, and few clubs impose that pressure more than Chiefs.
The Soweto giants have a rich history and a passionate fan base, creating an environment where success is expected immediately. For young players breaking into the first team, this can be both an exciting and daunting experience. The question remains: is there enough protection for these young talents when the pressure to perform is overwhelming?
Ben Youssef, who is currently in charge of Kaizer Chiefs due to head coach Nasreddine Nabi's two-match suspension, addressed the subject following the club's 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Sunday. A notable moment in that match was the performance of 19-year-old Mfundo Vilakazi, who scored the only goal of the game after coming off the bench.
Ben Youssef praised the teenager, who made a significant impact, but also highlighted the difficulties faced by young players at a club like Kaizer Chiefs.
"To be honest with you, our young players, they did very well. They performed very well. The problem for our younger players, there is a lot of pressure from outside. You know, when you are in a big team like Kaizer Chiefs, you can't be protected. From the first day, you have to perform, you have to score. You have to do everything well," he told journalists.
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This sentiment raises important questions about the level of protection provided for emerging talents at such a high-profile club. With Chiefs being one of the most successful and scrutinised teams in South African football, the pressure to succeed is intense, and young players are often thrust into the spotlight before they are fully prepared.
Ben Youssef went on to explain how the club attempts to shield its young players from the full force of this pressure by carefully managing their playing time.
"We try to sometimes protect them, sometimes to put them as the starter of the game. Sometimes from the bench. They get chances in the second half," he said.
In Vilakazi's case, the decision to bring him on as a substitute in the second half was a strategic move that worked in the team's favour. Not only did Vilakazi score the winning goal, but his performance also demonstrated maturity beyond his years, as he contributed defensively and was involved in key moments of the match.
However, the question arises: is substituting young players into games a sufficient form of protection? While giving them minutes and opportunities to shine can help them develop, it also means they are exposed to the pressures of competitive football in front of large audiences. In a high-pressure environment like that of Kaizer Chiefs, the risk of overwhelming a young player is ever-present.
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